Disney4me

Rockets will no longer be in hyperspace on Space Mountain at Disneyland. The Disneyland Resort announced on its Parks Blog that the "Star Wars"-themed version of the ride would disappear into hyperspace at the end of May, returning to the "classic" Space Mountain. "Hyperspace Mountain," based on... View the full article

What? You’ve recovered from the DFB Grilled Cheese Crawl, and you’re ready for another one? We are right there with ya! So today, we’re heading to the Mecca of Diverse Disney food options, Epcot! There are literally hundreds of delicious dishes and tempting snacks to be savored throughout the park. And that makes sense, since World Showcase immerses you into the cultures of eleven different countries. In one day, you can enjoy pastries from France, sushi from Japan, a jumbo pretzel from Germany, schoolbread from Norway — and so much more! But then, there’s Future World, too. Home to great little kiosks featuring flavored popcorns as well as one of our favorite counter service spots, Sunshine Seasons, there’s plenty to enjoy there as well. We all have our favorites, but it’s also fun to check out the NEW stuff! And so today, that’s what we’re doing. Let’s head into Epcot and arrange the day around trying brand new (or in some cases, returning items) in our DFB “Just the New Stuff” Crawl, Epcot Edition! And if you love this crawl, be sure to check out our DFB Guide + Snacks Bundle, which you can enjoy for an unbelievable 30% off the already discounted price with code BUNDLE17 at DFBStore.com! I hope you came hungry. Let’s go! Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding, Sunshine Seasons To kick our day off right, we should start with a good breakfast. Sure, you could grab a bowl of cereal at the resort or head to Starbucks for a muffin, but I say let’s check out Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion for their Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding. Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding at Sunshine Seasons Is it breakfast, or is it dessert? Who cares? Because this is vacation, and you NEED to have this rich, delicious dish to jump start your day. (Oh, and to answer the question, clearly, this is breakfast. I mean, who eats bacon with dessert? ) Battered Banger and Chips, Rose and Crown Pub We’re still sighing and lamenting the disappearance of our favorite pub grub from days gone by, the English Bulldog, at Rose and Crown Pub. But they’ve gone a LONG way to make up for it with this brand new offering, the Battered Banger and Chips. Rose and Crown Battered Banger and Chips Battered. Sausage. Because you guys KNOW how I feel about hand dipped corn dogs. Well, this is just as amazing, and I enjoyed every crunchy, salty bite. It’s perfect beside a pint, and makes for an excellent lunch as we explore all the tempting new snacks in Epcot. Sake Mist, Kabuki Cafe I don’t know about you, but after a decadent breakfast and a hefty lunch, I’m ready for something cool and refreshing. And the Sake Mist at Kabuki Cafe in the Japan Pavilion fit the bill perfectly — and just happens to be our next crawl stop. Blood Orange and Chocolate Cherry Sake Mists We’ve loved the kakigori at this spot for ages! But can it be made even better? Yes. Yes it can. By adding sake, of course! This is a great antidote to the Florida heat, and we especially love that it builds on a beloved Epcot snack. If you like sake, or kakigori, or BOTH — you’re gonna love this grown up version of a snow cone (except, the best snow cone ever). Warm Peach Cobbler, Liberty Inn After you finish up your sake mist, it’s on to The American Adventure Pavilion, where we make not one, but two stops! First, I think it’s time for a little dessert, and so we’re stopping by Liberty Inn for Warm Peach Cobbler. Warm Peach Cobbler at Liberty Inn While this dessert isn’t technically new — long time readers will remember it from a few years back when we shared it before — it has been on hiatus for a bit. And since I’m a big fan of the Crumble School of Cobbler Making (as opposed to cake or biscuit topping), this one scores big points with me. Besides, it’s filled with fruit — and that makes it practically healthy. Right? Hard Orange Soda Float, Fife & Drum Tavern But we’re not quite finished in The American Adventure Pavilion. I’m feeling a little thirsty again, and I hope you are too, because it’s time to stop by the Fife & Drum Tavern for a Hard Orange Soda Float, which joins the hard root beer float on the menu. Hard Orange Soda Float from Fife and Drum Tavern Made with creamy soft serve ice cream and Henry’s Hard Orange Soda, this creamsicle-esque treat is a wonderful way to get your daily serving of ice cream and soda-pop in while on vacation. (That’s a thing. Right?) Salted Caramel Cupcake, Karamell-Küche As we continue to walk World Showcase Promenade, our next stop is Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion. I’ve spent many happy hours at the little shop, which features lots of irresistible treats made with Werther’s Caramel. But recently, I was so happy to see the return of a classic, the Salted Caramel Cupcake! Salted Caramel Cupcake at Karamell-Küche The super dense dark chocolate cake is covered with a crown of caramel buttercream icing that goes right into the middle of the cake. And the salt is mixed into the icing, so you get that killer salty-sweet combo in every bite! Cinnamon Loaf, Kringla Bakeri og Kafe Next, make your way to another stop that’s become a cult classic, Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion. Norway has seen a lot of changes to highlight its most famous (Disney) duo, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, but we’re happy to report that this tiny counter service spot remains pretty much unchanged (for now, anyway). However, even though they still offer lots of classic items that we’ve grown to love through the years, they’re not afraid to try new things, like the Cinnamon Loaf. Cinnamon Loaf If you didn’t bring a friend along for this crawl, you’re probably gonna have to get a doggy bag for the leftovers here, because this thing is HUGE. Ask for it to be served warm, and be sure to get a sprinkle of those candied pecans — they come at no extra charge. Raspberry Lemonade Slush with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Cool Wash We’ll leave World Showcase behind and travel back into Future World for the last couple of treats on our list. And our first stop is Cool Wash. Don’t you think it’s about time for another adult beverage? I thought you might. Today, we’re trying one of their newer offerings: Raspberry Lemonade Slush with Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum. Raspberry Lemonade Slush with Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum at Cool Wash The sweet-tart flavors of the berry lemonade meld wonderfully with the vanilla and spice of the rum. You’ll be looking for a hammock and a beach hat as you savor this one. Mickey Oreo Cheesecake, Sunshine Seasons For our final stop, we travel back once more to where our day began — Sunshine Seasons. But this time, it really is dessert we’re after. Your final treat on today’s crawl is the Oreo Mickey Cheesecake. Mickey Oreo Cheesecake Why? Because we love you! And besides, this one is SO cute, and SO dreamy creamy delicious, that we defy you not to smile the entire time that you’re eating it. And besides, who can resist chilling in the gorgeous Land Atrium while watching the hubbub all around? Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Limited time only… Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2017 Second Edition, PLUS The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE17 at check out to get the discount. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review hundreds of Disney World snacks (!!), including classic favorites and some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 Second Edition, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for 25% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Just looking for all the Snacks in Epcot? Then check out our DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, newly updated for your 2017-18 trip! With over 400 Epcot snacks, and over 60 NEW snacks, you’ll always be in the know! And for a limited time only, we are offering the Guide for 25% off! To secure the discount, use code EPCOT17 at check-out. Now, I really wanna hear from you! Will you be taking on the DFB Just the New Stuff Crawl Challenge at Epcot? Leave a comment and tell us how far you get! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Try It! The “Epcot Classics” Snack Crawl Sunshine Seasons Strawberry Shortcake: A “Best Snack Value” in Epcot Snack Series: Key Lime Tart at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons View the full article

What do picking up trash along the beach, reading to elementary students, caring for animals and enjoying a beautiful nature stroll all have in common? They are the many ways our cast and crew members gave back to local communities and celebrated Earth Month throughout April. Earlier this week, a group of cast members based in Port Canaveral volunteered to pick up trash at a nearby beach in honor of Earth Month. Debbie, an embarkation service coordinator, was a part of the effort. She shared that she wanted to get involved since Disney Cruise Line calls Port Canaveral home — these beaches are our backyard! Over the years, our cast and crew members have come together to remove more than 31,000 pounds of debris from local beaches and waterways by participating in regular beach cleanups. Here’s a look at Debbie and the many other cast members in action. The message of conservation was shared in local Caribbean port communities, too. Crew members visited schools in St. Thomas and Nassau to read to the children about how taking small actions can make a big difference for the environment. In Cozumel and Nassau, crew members also donated their time to care for furry friends at local humane societies. Onboard, our guests were able to join the festivities. Many walked alongside crew members in the tenth annual”Walk for Wildlife,” a two-mile stroll on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, or onboard on Deck 4. In honor of all who participated, the Disney Conservation Fund made a special contribution to the World Wildlife Fund to help wild pandas and snow leopards. On Earth Day, guests were able to enjoy a special “Green Carpet PremEAR” to see the latest Disneynature film “Born in China.” And just for kids, we hosted an Earth Day party in the Oceaneer Lab where they were able to make recycled-product crafts and play environmental games. Although April is coming to end, at Disney Cruise Line we’re focused on environmental initiatives that minimize our impact on the environment year around. You can learn more about the many ways we conserve energy onboard in our latest Behind the Waves episode. View the full article

Happy last day of April! We hope you’re enjoying a couple days of lovely spring weather! Now it’s time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Disney food news… . Mickey Cinnamon Roll The 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with its Outdoor Kitchens is in full bloom through the end of May, and we have all the menus and food photos for you! Don’t forget, the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts in August this year! YAY! Don’t forget to check out all the details here. And if you want even MORE food news, we also have news on the updated menus for the 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We checked out What’s New at Disney World this week! Free Dining has been announced for travel dates in late summer and this fall! We have a sneak peek at the new desserts coming to Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Pandora. Check out our tips for planning a Disney World trip your kids will love! A new Quick Service Dine Card offer is available at select “good neighbor” hotels. We spotted some fun merchandise at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs! Disney announced a new dining package for ‘The Music of Pixar Live!’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Portobello at Disney Springs has closed and is being reimagined into a new dining location! Celebrate Dapper Day this weekend with special food and drinks at Disney Springs! A Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience is coming to Disneyland this spring. Check out the fun Disney finds just for Mom! New DFB YouTube videos have all the details on the Monorail Crawl and the Best and Worst Character Meals! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. New DFB Video! Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got great content going up twice a week showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re talking about the Best and Worst Character Meals! Check it out below — and subscribe here! Deal of the Week: Save on The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Second Edition! This week we launched the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 Second Edition! To celebrate this milestone — the first time we’ve shared a second edition — and to say thank you to all of our loyal DFB readers – you can order the Second Edition for 20% OFF your purchase with code SAVE2017! Why a Second Edition, You Ask? Because it’s crazy, but true — EVERYTHING continues to change so rapidly at Walt Disney World these days. So many new restaurants, kiosks, bars and lounges, menu items, and more have come online. We are constantly go go go just trying to cover it all for our Disney World food lovers out there! So we decided it was time to produce the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2017 Second Edition now. We update everything with every new edition, so you can be sure that you’ve got the most recent details about dining in Walt Disney World at your fingertips. You can order your copy today for 20% off the cover price – just use code SAVE2017! With a 100% money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite spots to visit when we need a respite from our adventures at the park. The menu is full of delicious small plates and some exotic cocktails too! Our friend Jenn recently enjoyed the Hightower Rocks on her visit to the lounge. Cheers to the Hightower Rocks! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix spotted this must-have R2-D2 Teapot. WDW for Grownups shared their Top 10 Bakeries and Candy Shops at Disney World. Oh My Disney shared a fun quiz that tells you what Disney pretzel you should eat. Disney Family shared a recipe for springtime Rapunzel Flower Cupcakes. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-up: April 2, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 23, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 9, 2017 View the full article

In 1966 and 1967, Disneyland added four new attractions: It's a Small World, The Primeval World, New Orleans Square and The Pirates of the Caribbean. The four attractions cost $20 million, or $3 million more than the cost of the original park. In a Los Angeles Times story on the new attractions,... View the full article

PANAMA CITY (April 29, 2017) – Today, the Disney Wonder transited the Panama Canal as the first passenger vessel to go through the canal’s new set of locks, marking a milestone for the cruise industry. The Disney Cruise Line 2,713-passenger ship was transformed in late 2016, expanding the length of the Disney Wonder to 984 feet. Headlining the ship’s enhancements are new imaginative spaces for children – including areas themed to the Marvel Universe and Disney’s “Frozen” – a jazzy restaurant inspired by Disney’s “Princess and the Frog,” and an authentic neighborhood English pub with subtle nods to classic Disney films. The Disney Wonder Panama Canal crossing is part of a 14-night voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Diego, where the ship will sail cruises to Baja, Mexico, before a summer season from Vancouver to Alaska. View the full article

Meet The Na'vi Shaman of Songs | Pandora - The World of Avatar View the full article

Walt Disney World for decades has brought us face-to-face with our favorite movie characters. But in its new “Avatar”-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the stars of the show are the stunning visual effects — soaring banshee flights, hovering mountains covered with waterfalls, a jungle of... View the full article

Can you believe that the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar is less than a month away? Today we’re thrilled to give you a first look at the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, a character who guests can spot within the Na’vi River Journey attraction. Encountering the shaman is a highlight of this fun family attraction, in which guests sail down a mysterious river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest filled with glowing plants and wondrous creatures. The river journey culminates when guests spot the shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and celebrates that beautiful connection through her music. The Na’vi Shaman of Songs is the most complicated Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. While our new photo and video offer a glimpse of the shaman in her forest setting, you might have seen her in this television commercial released earlier this year, where she says how she “looks forward to seeing you on Pandora.” Many assumed the shaman was computer generated, but it was actually the real shaman who now calls Pandora’s Mo’ara Valley home. (Skip to the end of this previously shared video for a look). An encounter with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs is just one of the many thrilling experiences that await you in in Pandora. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news about the opening of this exciting new land. See the posts below for more on Pandora – The World of Avatar: All in the Details: Populating Pandora – The World of Avatar With Plants & Animals All in the Details: Imagineers Partner With AVATAR Filmmakers To Create Pandora – The World of Avatar Filmmaker James Cameron Offers a New Look Inside Pandora – The World of Avatar Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Be New Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Authentic Details Bring to Life Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Images Released for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Take a Behind-The-Scenes Look at Pandora – The World of Avatar VisitPandora.com – Your Portal to Pandora – The World of Avatar All in the Details: How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

A line queue for the Pandora ride "Flight of Passge" in Disney World's new park. View the full article

Our resident Disney expert, Todd Martens, receives training for banshee adoption, inside Pandora – The World of Avatar, the new ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. View the full article

At Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll find special menu items on April 29. Enjoy a picnic lunch in East Plaza Garden, pick up a boxed Picnic in the Park Lunch from Tomorrowland Terrace between 11a-2:30p. Each boxed lunch comes with house-made chips, a freshly cut fruit cup, a mini rose cupcake, fountain beverage, and a choice of: Chicken Caesar Salad, BBQ Pork Sandwich, Greek Salad Wrap or Fried Chicken for $14.99. Kids meal options will also be available. A special “Hats Off to Spring” cupcake will be available at Main Street Bakery, as well as cupcakes inspired by the beloved Dapper Dans! On April 30 only, look for stylish cupcakes at Epcot! Available at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Fife & Drum, Fountain View and Pineapple Promenade, these vanilla cupcakes are topped with vanilla frosting. A new specialty hot dog will debut at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom Park on May 1. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all month long with a “Taco Dog” topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, pico de gallo and fried tortilla strips. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you’ll find a new menu item available at Mr. Kamal’s in Discovery Island. Spicy Fries are deliciously seasoned French fries topped with Tzatziki salad and Sriracha ketchup. New menu items are also available at quick-service locations throughout Epcot. At Electric Umbrella, guests will find a new Three Cheese flatbread with fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan and arugula. Over in The American Adventure pavilion, Liberty Inn is serving up a new Grilled Chicken with Bacon and Avocado Sandwich topped with Monterey Jack cheese and roasted garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Be sure to finish your meal with a new Rocky Road Mousse Cake. At Refreshment Port, there’s a new “Stow Away Mary,” a classic Bloody Mary garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives, celery, tomato and freshly-fried chicken breast nuggets. While Corn Dog Castle at Disney California Adventure park is closed for refurbishment, Paradise Garden Grill will be serving your favorite dishes, including the original corn dog, hot-link corn dog and the cheddar cheese stick. Two special limited-time offerings will also be available: the Chicken & Waffles Skewer which will feature a waffle batter-dipped chicken breast served with a maple, bacon and sage dipping sauce and a Crispy Battered Corn on the Cob, dipped in seasoned batter and served with cilantro-lime mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Oh boy! From May 5 through September 2, Mickey Mouse will be a guest at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel as part of Disney Dinnertime Magic. Mickey will be joining Goofy and pals at dinner only. A new entrée is now available as part of the Main Street Electrical Parade On-The-Go Package at Aladdin’s Oasis. Look for a delicious stir-fry with beef and vegetables in a pineapple teriyaki sauce, served with a tangy cucumber-tomato salad, naan bread and cheesecake. View the full article

This week, some of the most adorable photos we shared on the Disney Parks Blog were inspired by author Arnaldo Zanonato’s blog post on Disney Cruise Line’s “Frozen”-inspired offerings available on their Norway sailings. (And what timing! It was just announced this week that “Frozen 2” will hit theaters in November 2019!). As he shared, the Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration and backdrop for the animated film, and now guests get the chance to see the landscape for themselves – and have a bit of “Frozen” fun on certain excursions as well. For full details, check out his original blog post here. View the full article

Ah, Moms. They juggle all the balls, don’t they? They keep us in line, run the house, kiss the ouchies, get us where we need to be, and so much more! Disney Mother’s Day Cookies at Magic Kingdom Confectionery So if your mom is anything like ours, we’re pretty sure that she deserves some seriously wonderful gifts this Mother’s Day. And you’re in luck, because we have a few great suggestions right here! Mickey Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet At first glance, this understated Mickey Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet is deceptively simple. Looks just like a plain chain bracelet, right? But look closer, and you see that the links in the chain are Mickey shaped! Mickey Mouse Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet It’s an absolutely perfect gift for the mom who likes to share her love of Disney in a subtle, classic way. Dooney & Bourke Leather Tote On the other hand, this adorable Mickey and Minnie Dooney & Bourke Leather Tote is proudly proclaims mom’s love of classic Disney style. The black, white, and red color scheme is sophisticated, and Minnie is sporting her haute couture finest. Dooney & Bourke Tote Bag The roomy bag has lots of pockets inside for keeping Mom organized on the go. A Mother’s Love by Jim Shore Artist Jim Shore does it again as he blends familiar Disney icons with touches of folk art. His Mrs. Potts and Chip “Mother’s Love” is a charming tribute to this sweet duo from Disney’s animated classic, Beauty and the Beast. Mrs. Potts and Chip “A Mother’s Love” Set by Jim Shore The resin pieces are beautifully hand-painted, making each one unique. Mickey Mouse Shorts Sleep Set Nothing says “I love you, Mom!” like letting her sleep in! Give her the gift of a cozy late morning with this adorable Mickey Mouse Shorts Sleep Set. Mickey Shorts Sleep Set And while you’re at it, go the extra mile and bring her breakfast in bed! (And pleeeeeeeaaazzze clean up the kitchen when you’re finished.) Alex and Ani Bracelet If Mom prefers the latest fashions with modern flair when it comes to jewelry, check out this Alex and Ani Bracelet. The adjustable, silvertone, thin bangle bracelet comes with a charm that captures the magic of Cinderella Castle, along with Walt Disney and Mickey (the Partners statue!) standing in the foreground. Alex and Ani Bracelet She’ll treasure it every time she looks at it, and it’s sure to remind her of the sweet memories the two of you have made at Magic Kingdom! So there you have it! Turn off her alarm, fire up the waffle maker, buy the flowers, and be sure to check out all of our favorite finds for making this the best day ever for your special mom! And for even more great gift ideas, check out the Mom Gift Guide that our friends at Mickey Fix have put together! What are you planning to do for your mom this Mother’s Day? Leave a comment below and share your best ideas with us! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Food-Themed Disney Dooney & Bourke Pattern to Make Its Debut During Epcot Food and Wine Festival Limited Time: DisneyStore.com Sale Includes Fun Food Finds Disney Gift Guide 2013 — Let the Holiday Shopping Begin! View the full article

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper? From operating the riverboats through the jungle and protecting guests from wild animals to telling knee-slapping jokes at every corner, it requires a unique talent to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper. Hear from Richard Wallace, who’s been making Disneyland Resort guests laugh for three years, in this “Every Role a Starring Role!” Hit it, Skip! View the full article

Walt Disney World appears poised to launch the highest-profile commercial deployment of driverless passenger vehicles to date, testing a fleet of driverless shuttles that could cart passengers through parking lots and around its theme parks. According to sources with direct knowledge of Disney’s... View the full article

Check out pictures from the first look at Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. View the full article

PICTURE GALLERY: Check out pictures from the first look at Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. View the full article

Just as Earth Month 2017 comes to a close, a new Yale University study, partially funded by the Disney Conservation Fund, shows the need to better understand and foster Americans’ relationship with nature and how to provide more opportunities to get outside. We know children truly benefit from connecting with nature, but it’s no surprise that competing priorities in our busy lives and lack of access to outdoor activities can make that challenging. The Disney Conservation Fund is committed to helping increase the time kids spend in nature through grants to leading nonprofit organizations working to make an impact for people and the planet. Even within our own Disney parks and resorts, the company’s Animals, Science and Environment team is helping increase opportunities for children and families to connect with the magic of nature, from hosting special offerings at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Disneynature Presents Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to creating family and educator activity packets based on recent Disney films to inspire an appreciation for nature. You can help kids connect with nature and benefit your community at the same time! This month, Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN are inviting you to vote for park-improvement projects through a grant to the National Recreation and Park Association’s Meet Me at the Park campaign. You can also connect with nature through the National Wildlife Federation’s Butterfly Heroes program, in which you can learn about and pledge to create habitats for pollinators in your own backyard. “We are proud to have helped support The Nature of Americans study, which reinforces the importance of developing compelling content and experiences that connect people to the magic of nature,” said Kevin Callahan, vice president of Corporate Citizenship at The Walt Disney Company. “It is so critical that we all work together to help the next generation live happier and healthier lives – while inspiring them to care for the environment.” The study’s authors also concluded, “…the conservation of species, the protection and restoration of habitats, and the provision of healthy streams and clean air are closely linked to human flourishing. A thriving natural environment helps Americans live happier, healthier lives. It helps children develop socially, psychologically, and physically. It creates places where Americans want to live, work, and flourish.” To read more about this unprecedented study, visit natureofamericans.org, and to keep up with Disney’s efforts to increase the time kids spend in nature, visit Disney.com/conservation. View the full article

A Royal Transformation: Princess Elena | Disney Springs View the full article

As many of you know, we recently launched MagicBand 2, the newly redesigned MagicBand, featuring a removable center icon that can be worn with MagicKeepers, the most popular accessories that give you even more options on how to wear the magic. Since launching MagicBand 2, we’ve seen your magical creations of new multi-colored bands in the parks and also heard your requests for additional colors. Today, we’re thrilled to share three new graphic MagicBands – that feature black and teal for the first time. One of the new black retail limited release graphic bands features Star Wars 40th Anniversary, which began sales during the Galactic Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The band retails for $27.99 and debuts ahead of the new movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, set for release on December 15, 2017. The other black band features Grumpy from the Disney classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” with his namesake facial expression front and center, and is sold for $22.99. And for all of you “Frozen” lovers, the new teal color features Elsa (name of the band is Elsa Frozen Fever), the popular ice queen. Notice, Elsa is adorned and surrounded by colorful flowers in the summertime – Olaf would be jealous. The band is an open edition and sells for $22.99. These colors on limited edition designs are only available throughout Walt Disney World Resort in retail locations wherever MagicBands are sold. The MagicBand continues to be a guest’s favorite because it unlocks the magic of a Disney vacation – from effortless theme-park entry, FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association, to skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for announcements about new graphic MagicBand 2s coming in the future – who knows which color might be next? What color would you like to see? View the full article

This spring, guests will find a magical new way to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and more! A brand-new Mickey Mouse celebration cake will be available to order beginning May 17 at any Walt Disney World Resort owned-and operated table-service restaurant. Available in decadent chocolate or sweet white chocolate, the Mickey-shaped cakes are sure to be the icing on the cake of your celebration! A special message of “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” is available on the chocolate ears—or leave them blank—the cakes are adorable either way! Each cake serves 4-6 guests, and costs $35 plus tax and gratuity. Advance payment is not required with confirmed restaurant reservations. Reservations for the new Mickey Mouse celebration cakes begin May 17. Celebration cakes will be able to be added to a new or existing dining reservation by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by inquiring in person at a Walt Disney World Resort concierge desk or restaurant podium. Day-of quantities are limited, so make arrangements prior to dining. View the full article

If your world’s been rocked by the emoji-matching, combo-smashing, explosive fun-having mobile game that is Disney Emoji Blitz, you already know it’s basically a 60-second party on your smartphone or tablet screen (right down to the balloons and confetti). And as if its 700+ Disney and Pixar emoji characters plus Disney Parks items you can collect and enable on the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard weren’t magical enough, it’s truly about to be lit. From April 28 to May 3, the Main Street Electrical Parade will turn up the twinkle factor in Disney Emoji Blitz during a special in-game event! This is an Emoji Item Event, which means the parade’s sparkling floats — and a few classic locations on Main Street, U.S.A., for good measure — will drop into your game board while you’re swiping to match three or more Disney emojis in a row. Match to drop the items down to the bottom of the board, and you’ll collect them on your card. Nab every last one during the in-game event, and these fanciful emojis will be yours to make all your texts and chats brighter! Download Disney Emoji Blitz now for free with in-app purchases on the App Store, Google Play, Windows and Amazon. New events are happening all the time, too, so keep checking the game for new Disney and Pixar emojis. View the full article

Fans of Tomorrowland in Disneyland will have a brand new vantage point from which to see their favorite area and attractions soon! On May 26, Disneyland will introduce the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience. Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland For $45 per person for guests 3 and older, you can hang out in this exclusive area, which is “situated high above Tomorrowland,” from 8:00-10:00PM. The price of the experience also includes a boxed treat with fruit and cheese, plus assorted sweets. Guest can also choose one hot or cold non-alcoholic beverage. We expect the boxes to be somewhat similar to what you get at the World of Color or Fantasmic Dessert Parties. We hope there are Mickey Macaroons! Mickey Macaroon While there is seating aplenty in the venue, guests can stroll the area, and even come and go during the two-hour window. On evenings when fireworks are scheduled, the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge will also offer guests a unique vantage point for watching the show. © Disney Should you be interested in the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience, there are a couple of important things to note. First, separate Disneyland admission is required, and passholder discounts do not apply. Check-in begins 15 minutes before the Lounge opens and takes place at the Fruit Cart in Tomorrowland. Reservations are available online by visiting Disneyland.com, or by phone by calling (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463. Will you be visiting the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge on your next trip to Disneyland? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Terrace Dining in Disneyland: Monster U “Style” Burger at Tomorrowland Terrace News: Disneyland Introduces New Fine Dining Experience, 21 Royal View the full article

It’s time for another DFB Video! Ah, Character Meals. Do you love ‘em or hate ‘em? We’re big fans of the experience, actually! They’re a great way to see lots of characters, and enjoy some pretty decent food without too much running around. But we get that not every character meal is the best fit for everyone. So in today’s DFB Video, we’re exploring the Best — and Worst — Character Meals in Walt Disney World. What makes a character meal good, and what makes one not so great in our opinion? Check out our Best and Worst Character Meal in Walt Disney World Video below to get the scoop! And hey, while you’re here anyway, how about taking a moment to subscribe to the DFB YouTube Channel? That way, you’ll always be the first to see our latest tips and suggestions for enjoying your Best. Disney. Day. Ever! But now, I really want to hear from you! Which character meals get your votes for best and worst? Leave a comment and share with us below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Top Meals Under $20 in Walt Disney World New DFB Video: Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for First Timers NEW Video! The Best Brownies in Walt Disney World! View the full article